Application deadline
30 July 2026
Reference deadline for the 2026-2027 cohort.

by TKS
An in-person technology and innovation accelerator where teens build projects, tackle company challenges, and learn from mentors in Dubai.
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Current status
In progress
Eligibility
High school students
Age range / Year group
Ages 13-17
Location / Region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cost
AED 27,000
Duration
10 months
Format
In-person
Next session
September 2026-June 2027 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Save programTKS Dubai is a long-form innovation accelerator built around emerging technology, independent exploration, and project-based learning.
Students join a local cohort for weekly sessions, then research, prototype, write, collaborate, and present work through company challenges, hackathons, and moonshot projects.
It suits curious, self-directed students who want substantial work beyond school and value mentorship, ambitious peers, and real-world problem solving.
TKS Dubai is an innovation accelerator from The Knowledge Society, supported locally by Dubai Future Foundation. Its curriculum spans artificial intelligence, blockchain, genetic engineering, brain-computer interfaces, quantum computing, longevity, and other emerging fields.
Students learn through projects rather than conventional tests or textbooks. They explore a focus area, tackle company and global challenges, participate in hackathons, build moonshot ideas, and present their work to experts and the wider community.
The 33-session curriculum moves from technology exploration into sustained company, global, and moonshot challenges.
Students can explore more than 40 technology and science modules before choosing a deeper personal focus.
Hackathons, stakeholder interviews, proposals, expert panels, and the showcase create varied practice beyond classroom discussion.
A dedicated Program Director and Associate Director support each cohort of about 40 students.
Full tuition scholarships for 30 accepted UAE nationals make the Dubai partnership unusually substantial.
Curious, motivated students who want to explore emerging technologies, build ambitious projects, and contribute actively to a close cohort.
You want a short course, a conventional exam-based class, or cannot consistently attend a three-hour weekly session and make time for independent projects.
TKS Dubai can be valuable for a student who will use its structure to investigate unfamiliar fields, produce original work, and seek feedback from mentors and peers. The extended format allows more depth than a brief technology camp.
The tradeoffs are substantial tuition, selective admission, and a weekly workload that can reach roughly 7-10 hours. Its value depends on sustained participation; joining primarily for a recognizable extracurricular label would not justify the commitment.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
AED 27,000; includes Weekly in-person cohort sessions, Full-time Program Director and Associate Director support, More than 40 self-paced technology and science modules, Playbooks covering more than 30 development topics, Mentorship and access to global community connections, Optional guest speakers, workshops, and community events.
Provider details
Review the TKS provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
10 months; Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsEffort level
High.
Best started
Begin three to four weeks before applying so you can reflect on the written questions and prepare for an interview.
Main challenge
Sustaining self-directed project momentum alongside school.
List experiences that shaped your interests and identify something you have built or done that matters to you.
Practice explaining your curiosity and motivation clearly without relying on grades or awards.
Review the weekly workload with your family and protect a regular block for project work.
Useful if
You enjoy learning independently, presenting ideas, and acting on feedback.
Students move from broad exploration toward increasingly complex team and individual projects, with regular opportunities to research, build, present, and reflect.
Explore emerging technologies and sciences through more than 40 digital modules.
Choose a focus area and develop deeper knowledge through project-based research.
Build applications, articles, videos, algorithms, prototypes, or other focus projects.
Work in teams on challenges based on problems faced by companies and global organizations.
Use first-principles thinking, MECE analysis, interviews, and root-cause frameworks to develop recommendations.
Prototype and pitch solutions during hackathons and moonshot projects.
Present major work to experts and share progress at the year-end showcase.
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Application deadline
30 July 2026
Reference deadline for the 2026-2027 cohort.
2026-2027 cohort
September 2026-June 2027
Weekly sessions run on a selected weekend day.
Next cohort
2027
Exact start and end dates have not been published.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 30 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
2026-2027 cohort | September 2026-June 2027 | Local | Reference date | |
Next cohort | 2027 | Local | Reference date |
Designed for students aged 13-17
Applicants may be age 12 when applying
High school students
English proficiency required
Good internet connection required
No prior coding or emerging technology knowledge required
Program tuition
AED 27,000
Funding or discounts
What's included
Weekly in-person cohort sessions, Full-time Program Director and Associate Director support, More than 40 self-paced technology and science modules, Playbooks covering more than 30 development topics, Mentorship and access to global community connections, Optional guest speakers, workshops, and community events
Register through the official notification form for the next Innovate cohort.
When applications begin, select the Dubai program and provide your basic information.
Answer three written questions about your experiences, individuality, motivation, and work.
If shortlisted, select a time for an interview with a TKS Director.
After an offer, choose your cohort time, review any financial aid allocation, and complete enrollment.
Attend the family welcome session before beginning the program.
Next step with Succeed
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The program covers the following focus areas.
Emerging technologies
Explore artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, and the metaverse.
Emerging sciences
Investigate genetic engineering, longevity, synthetic biology, cancer solutions, and related ethical questions.
Company challenges
Research stakeholder needs and develop implementable recommendations for real organizational problems.
Problem-solving frameworks
Practice first-principles thinking, MECE analysis, mental models, and root-cause analysis.
Moonshot projects
Develop technically informed ideas designed to address problems at ambitious scale.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
A typical day during the program.
A weekly three-hour in-person session.
A weekly three-hour in-person session.
A weekly three-hour in-person session.
Students set their own pace outside the core session.
Each cohort of about 40 students has a full-time Program Director and Associate Director dedicated to coaching and guidance. Students also meet local and global mentors from technology companies, universities, research organizations, and startups.
Mentors provide critical thinking, problem-solving, and accountability support during and beyond sessions.
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop a personal portfolio for university applications.
Join the global TKS alumni network after the program.
Pursue supported internship opportunities with partner companies.
Apply separately for the second-year Activate program.
Use project, presentation, and interview skills in later study or work.
Internships and admission to Activate are not guaranteed.
The official TKS contact page lists the Dubai location as Dubai Future Accelerators at Emirates Towers. Students attend face-to-face with a local cohort while retaining access to TKS’s wider digital platform and global community.
Compare these related in-person programs if you want a shorter or more subject-specific route into technology and engineering.
A shorter, subject-specific alternative to a broad innovation accelerator.
Best for
Students seeking a concentrated computing experience
Provides narrower technical study for students ready to specialize.
Best for
Students committed to practical engineering
Prioritizes academic subject depth over a year-long innovation curriculum.
Best for
Students exploring engineering before university
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Content reviewed by
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
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TKS Dubai
by TKS
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